Peterborough man jailed for setting fire to his own house
It happened after he broke up with his girlfriend
Last updated 17th Jul 2024
A man who set fire to his own house in Peterborough after breaking up with his girlfriend has been jailed for over four years.
Emergency services were called out to Daniel Willerton's home in Birchwood, Orton Goldhay in October 2021.
The 47-year-old admitted arson with recklessness as to endanger life.
A detective on the case called his actions 'incredibly selfish and dangerous'
Police learnt how Willerton, 47, had broken up with his girlfriend the previous day and turned aggressive after getting no reply to text messages that afternoon.
He poured accelerant on top of his laptop and around the living room before lighting it and leaving the house and sending another text message saying “house burning down now”.
Firefighters contained the blaze within about half an hour, before it had spread to neighbouring properties, but the damage to Willerton’s home was extensive.
Willerton appeared at Huntingdon Law Court on Monday (15th July) where he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after previously admitting arson with recklessness as to endanger life.
Detective Constable Angus Cashman, who investigated, said:
“Willerton’s actions were incredibly selfish and dangerous. Thanks to immediate reports from neighbours and the quick response of our colleagues at the fire service, the fire was under control before it spread.
“The sentence given shows the seriousness of this crime, which I hope sends out a clear message to the public.”